Prince George council asked to apply for FIFA watch party grants

City staff recommend applying to a provincial grant program to fund FIFA World Cup watch parties and propose using up to $8,900 from city event funds to cover Prince George’s share.

City staff are asking Prince George council to authorize an application for provincial grants to support community watch parties for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The province is offering funding streams to help municipalities and First Nations cover eligible event expenses. Council discussed hosting watch parties during 2025 and previously authorized staff to submit an expression of interest. FIFA has requirements for event hosts and in some cases requires a license or fee for official permission. Key details: - The province is offering two grant streams: one covers up to 85% of eligible expenses to a maximum of $50,000, and a second for larger events (more than 1,000 people per day) covers up to 75% of eligible expenses to a maximum of $150,000. - City staff recommend applying for the smaller grant stream and propose spending up to $8,900 from the major events reserve fund or the event services operating budget for the city’s share. - Staff state that all events would be free to the public and would focus on celebrating soccer, sport, art, community and multiculturalism. - Organizations such as Tourism PG and the PG Youth Soccer Association have expressed support and interest in planning and implementation. - Council will consider the staff recommendation at its Feb. 2 meeting at 6 p.m.; the public may attend in person or watch the livestream at princegeorge.ca. Summary: If council authorizes the application, staff would pursue provincial funding to cover a majority of event costs and proceed with planning for local watch parties. Council is scheduled to decide on the recommendation and the proposed $8,900 city contribution at the Feb. 2 meeting, which will determine whether the application is submitted and planning advances.